Method and apparatus for soil sterilization



p 1932- WWSALISBURY METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SOIL STERILIZATION Qriginal Filed July 17, 1950 Patented Sept. 6, 1932 UNITED STATES WILLIAM SALISBURY, F TOLEDO, OHIO Original application filed July 17, 1930, Serial No. 468.612. "Divided and this applieation flled April 25,

1931. Serial No. 532,804. r

This invention relates to soil sterilization. This invent-ion has utility when incorporated in a method of sterilizing soil, in

systems for transmitting fluids for even- Fig. 2 is a side elevationof a group of' the elements of the invention herein, forming a sub-surface transmission line;

Fig. 3 Fig. 2;

Fig. l is a perspective View of a modified type of transmission element; and

Fig. is an end elevation of a connecting element between a header and a distribution line.

Steam line or riser 1 is connected to header 2 disposed in soil 3 to have nipples i extend therefrom. Conical shaped plastic eleis a view on the line IIIIII,

ments or tile 5 have their reduced ends circular and provided with openings therethrough for slip fit connections with the nipples 4;.

The remote or large end thereof has cross sectional form comprising straight sides, 7,

' 8, 9, forming a polygonal or semi-hexagonal extending from the header 2 anydesired length, the last tile of each line being capped by saucer-shaped cover 16 of the same material as the tile.

The tile are preferably laid so that the side 8 forms a base therefor, the extensions 11 the lines formed by these elements and such will be delivered in jets downwardly from the tileinto the soil. Allof the steam will be so delivered, theinterfitting ends and closed.

line termini preventing other escape. This sub-surface delivery in downwardly directed jets insures a proper depth sterilization while preventing blow-outs or puddles. It has been found steam under pound pressure in the header will sterilizean area approximately 140 b 50 feet in about 8 hours, the branch lines eing fromlQ to 18 inches apart. This kills all the undesirable bacteria without unnecessary flooding. Steam up to 150 pounds pressure has been'used without line rupture or leaks at the tile element j oints.

The overhangsprevent' soil working into the openings 17 and also provide pockets 18 therebeneath which aid in'initial distribw tion of the steam fromthe openings. 7

' The interfittin'gjoints .mayibe round, the flat face 8 usually suflicient to maintain alignment of the tile and prevent rotation therebetween thus keeping proper opening alignment. i 1

. However the shape of the endsmay con 1 form to thesemi-hexagonal portion and thus insure prevention of rotation between the elements 15. p Y

Insome instances circular tile 19 may be used and in order to maintain the openings properly aligned groove 20 is placed along the side thereof to facilitate laying, the workmanplacing the tile so that the groove is upward and continuous. To insure the alignment is maintained keys 21 may be dropped into the grooves over the joints.

The opening 22 through the tile is preferably circular and while the elements are designed primarily for sterilization, the transmission lines formed thereby may be used for irrigation or fertilizing.

By this construction, a sterilizing system may be built up to cover any shape or size plat. The interfitting joints prevent any escape of fluid thereat even when such is under substantial pressure- All the steam being jetted downwardly allows it to thoroughly spread before reaching the surface.

What is claimed and it is desired to secure by United States Letters Patent is 1. The method of sterilizing soil comprising discharging steam directly thereinto from a sub-surface source, confining the steam to a downwardly directed discharge.

2. The method of sterilizing soil comprlsing discharging a series of steam jets directly thereinto from a sub-surface source, confin- 7 ing the steam from said jets to a downwardly directed discharge. 3. The method of sterilizing soil comprising discharging a jet'of high pressure steam downwardly into the soil from a sub-surface source. 7 7

4. The method of sterilizing soil comprising dischargingadefinitely spaced series'of jets of steam directly into the soil, confining the discharge to a downwardly distribution.

5. The method of sterilizing soil comprising discharginga definitely spaced series of steam jets'downwardly. directly into the soil from a sub-surface source, confining the steam to. a downwardly discharge.

6. The method of sterilizing soil comprising discharging a-definitely spaced series of steam jets of substantial-pressure downwardly into the soil from a sub-surface source. 7. Apparatus for sterilizing soil comprising-a sub-surface line composed of a series of tile elements having joints interfitting to prevent fiuid escape therebetween, said tile provided with downwardly directed openings whereby the entire discharge from said apparatus is confined to a downwardly distribution therefrom.

8. Apparatus for sterilizing soil comprising a steam line, a header, and a series of branch lines from the header extending beneath the surface of the soil, said branch lines composed of tile elements having joints interfitting to prevent steam escape therebetween and. provided with downwardly directed openings.

In witness whereof I afiix my signature.

WILLIAM SALISBURY. 

